Cognitive stimulation for improving cerebral functions of elderly

Abstract

Memory is one of the most important aspects of neuroscience, especially regarding teaching and learning processes. Activities that require attention and logical thinking increase brain synaptic density by improving the mnemonic performance. The Federal University of Pelotas/RS offers to the elderly of the community 60-minute weekly classes in the Workshop of Memory and Cognitive Stimulation. The objective of this study was to analyze the motivation of the elderly when performing the activities proposed in the classes. For that, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory was used. Twenty-four elderly people participated in the study, and 83.3% affirmed that the classes were "Very fun"; 75% were very satisfied with their performance in the activities; 91.6% stated that they had made considerable effort to carry out their activities. The results indicate that the elderly were motivated to take classes of cognitive stimulation.

Keywords

• Atividade Motora
• Cognição
• Ensino
• Idoso
• Memória